News & Events

Recent News

November 14, 2008
Volusia Council extends commuter rail agreement

By JAMES MILLER
News-Journal Staff Writer

DELAND -- The Volusia County Council signaled Thursday it remains committed to the troubled Central Florida commuter rail project by voting to extend by one year the key legal agreement underlying it. The agreement between the state Department of Transportation and Volusia, Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties and the city of Orlando was due to expire Dec. 31.

The extension was required because the Legislature refused last spring to sign off on legal liability language needed to move the more than $1 billion project forward. The liability issue is expected to go before the Legislature again in its 2009 spring session.

Volusia County was the first local government to extend the agreement, county officials said. "We might be the last stop on this commuter rail line, but we're going to be the first one to reauthorize this project, and good for us," said Councilwoman Pat Northey. Supporters say the proposed 61-mile line connecting Poinciana and DeLand is a badly needed transportation alternative in a region where the population is expected to double by 2050.

The estimated cost for trains, track improvement and stations is $615 million, with the federal government paying half, the state picking up 25 percent and local governments paying the rest.

The state also was slated to pay $491 million to buy the tracks from Jacksonville CSX Transportation, which then would lease them part time for freight. But this spring, the state Senate stalled the deal by declining to sign off on a provision of that agreement that would shield CSX from most liability for accidents in the corridor.

The council's extension says the track purchase is predicated on the Legislature's action and federal funding, as in the initial agreement. "I think all we're doing is saying we're serious, we're still involved," said Councilman Andy Kelly. To move forward, the other rail partners also will have to extend the underlying agreement. In other business, the council:

• Confirmed the appointment of Tammy Bong as director of management and budget.

• Agreed to commit up to $300,000 in land under certain conditions as a grant match for a proposed energy conservation education facility.

• Approved $242,000 for 2008-09 legal and planning costs for the Volusia Growth Management Commission.

james.miller@news-jrnl.com